Photograph Couples

Book excerpt: Wedding and portrait photography is a vast segment of the professional portrait industry. Those who cater to this demographic know that photographing couples during a very exciting period in their lives demands a unique skill-set—these sessions are done when emotions are high, in a wide range of locations, and under a staggering array of conditions. Still, the photographer must wrangle all of the variables to create images that flatter the subjects AND tell the story of their relationship. In this book, Tiffany Wayne presents 60 high-caliber images—each paired with gorgeous alternate poses—and detailed text showing readers how each image was conceived and orchestrated to flatter the couple and show their unique relationship to best effect. In 60 two-page spreads, readers will get a behind-the-scenes look at how the image came together. Wayne discusses her intent for each image, then shows the steps used to carry out her artistic vision—from positioning the individual subjects, to creating a physical bond, and eliciting emotion. Also detailed are the compositional choices that were made to reinforce and strengthen the portrait presentation. In the first part of the book, Wayne showcases engagement portraits—images made under more relaxed conditions when the pace of the day is not as hectic as it will be on the wedding day. In the second part of the book, Wayne turns her attention to wedding portraits of the couple. With the fresh, modern feel of Tiffany Wayne's images and her casual, seemingly effortless—yet perfect—posing approach, readers will find much to emulate in this book.